Alliance for the Arts looks to get a facility refresh for its 50th anniversary
The Alliance for the Arts, a vibrant cultural hub in Southwest Florida, announces a significant facility refresh project coinciding with its 50th anniversary. The Alliance will pause operations in its main building from Sept. 1 to an anticipated re-opening of Oct. 3, 2025, to undertake essential upgrades focused on safety, efficiency, and enhancing the visitor experience for the next half-century. During this time, the Edwards Building will remain open for classes, and a smaller satellite version of the gift shop and office will be available to ensure continued service and support for visitors.
This transformative renovation aims to include brand-new flooring, an upgraded catering prep-kitchen, gallery drywall repair, refreshed bathrooms, and other crucial behind-the-scenes enhancements. These improvements are designed to create an even more welcoming, functional, and inspiring space for the thousands of individuals who engage with the Alliance through events, exhibitions, classes, and performances each year.
“Our main building is built on a great foundation — literally and figuratively. For decades, it has nurtured creativity, connection, and conversation at the heart of our community,” said Director of Operations Jordan Jameson. “This refresh is more than cosmetic — it’s a bold investment in the future. By enhancing the experience, safety, and accessibility of our space, we’re making room for even more innovation, interaction, and impact. It’s a transformation that will empower us to welcome and inspire like never before.”
Community invited to “Refresh Fund” Campaign
To support this ambitious project, the Alliance for the Arts is launching its “Refresh Fund” and inviting the community to contribute. The organization is accepting donations of both funds and in-kind goods and services to ensure the success of these vital renovations. Every contribution, big or small, will directly help create a better space for arts and culture in Southwest Florida.
The Alliance is also actively seeking proposals from qualified contractors and service providers for key renovation components.
Opportunities include:
Flooring Installation, and Refinishing: Seeking proposals for high-quality tile installation or concrete staining and polishing solutions for approximately 4,000 square feet across galleries, classrooms, hallways, an office, and a prep kitchen.
Wall Tiling Project: Seeking proposals for the installation of approximately 500 square feet of commercial-grade wall tile in two functional spaces: a public restroom and the prep kitchen.
The deadline for contractor proposals for both flooring and wall tiling is Aug. 1, 2025, with work to be completed between Sept. 3 and Sept. 20, 2025. Interested contractors can submit proposals found at artinlee.org/refresh or via email to dylan@artinlee.org. Potential benefits for in-kind contributions may include company banner placement, recognition on the Alliance’s website and social media, facility use, and corporate memberships.
Additionally, the Alliance is looking for volunteers to help with prepping spaces, painting, organizing materials, and more.
How to support the Alliance
Donate: To make a financial gift or view the donation wishlist, visit artinlee.org/engage/donate/.
Contractors: Submit proposals for flooring and wall tiling projects to dylan@artinlee.org by Aug. 1, 2025.
Volunteer: To be added to the list for volunteer opportunities, visit: artinlee.org/refresh.
Sponsor: Inquire about custom sponsorship packages that offer various recognition benefits by contacting Melissa@artinlee.org.
The Alliance for the Arts can’t wait to unveil a refreshed, rejuvenated facility, ready to continue sparking joy and creativity for generations to come. Follow their progress on social media and stay tuned for sneak peeks behind the construction curtain! Special thanks to the United Way, Fred & Jean Allegretti Foundation and Florida Walls & Ceilings for their advance support.
About Alliance for the Arts
From yesterday’s vision to tomorrow’s masterpiece, a legacy of art and soul. The Alliance for the Arts is celebrating 50 years as a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Blvd. just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers. For more information, please call 239-939-2787, visit us at ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook, MeetUp and Instagram.